Blue Sky Highway home totaled in Monday fire, cause under investigation; other fires in county reported

The Blue Sky Highway home was a total loss. (Joshua Scheer photo)

By Joshua Scheer, reporter, county10.com

(Fremont County, Wyo.) – Fremont County firefighters were kept busy during the day on New Year’s Eve, responding to multiple structure fires.

Fremont County Fire Protection District Chief Craig Haslam said four Battalions were called to a house fire on Blue Sky Highway north of Ethete on Monday afternoon. Initially firefighters were called to the residence for a small fire that occurred while someone was attempting to thaw frozen water pipes. Haslam said the scene was cleared quickly.

About an hour later, crews were called back to the home with reports of the structure being engulfed. Haslam said the fight lasted until about 8 p.m., when the last of the crews were released. The home was a complete loss, he said.

“Red Cross is helping out,” Haslam added.

During the fight, numerous apparatuses lined the highway, at times blocking traffic. A BIA officer directed traffic through a single lane.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation through the State Fire Marshal’s Office. Haslam hoped to have a determination by tomorrow.

Lander Rural, Fort Washakie, Kinnear and Battalion 1 out of Riverton fought the blaze. BIA and Fremont County EMS were also on scene.

A fire that occurred in a barn west of Lander is still under investigation. Lander Rural Investigator Don Reed said he is still working on the investigation. The fire started within a trailer that was inside the 3,600-square-foot barn on Meadow Road, he added. He hopes to have the cause determined in a few days. To read more about that fire, see this story.

The Riverton Fire Department also responded to two structure fire reports on Monday. Details were not immediately available.

A grass fire near Dubois was also reported.

County firefighters helped each other gear up on Monday at the Blue Sky Highway fire. (Joshua Scheer photo)